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16 Day Avalon Waterways River Cruise from Vienna to Basel 2027(WVM)
Christmastime from Vienna to Basel
Starting from $10,087
Ship(s): Avalon Imagery II, Avalon Vista
River Cruise Description
This holiday river cruise takes you to many beautiful and historical cities of Germany and Austria. And the views along the way can't be outdone-towns and villages decorated for the holidays and beautiful views as you cruise along the Danube and Main Rivers, and the Main Danube Canal. Your Christmastime river cruise begins in Vienna, the capital and treasure of Austria, and ends in Frankfurt, Germany. In Vienna, see the sights with a Local Guide and enjoy free time to walk through the Christmas markets to taste some of the traditional fare. Cruise through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Melk, and visit the Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe's most architecturally-breathtaking monasteries-sure to be truly magnificent during the holiday season. In Regensburg, one of Germany's best-preserved medieval cities, see the sights with a Local Guide and savor local sausages and beer at one of Germany's oldest restaurants, Historiche Wurstkuche (Old Sausage Kitchen). On to Nuremberg where, after your guided tour, you are free to visit the Christmas market, one of the most famous in the world. A full-day excursion to Munich shows you the Bavarian capital. The traditional Christmas market is located on the Marienplatz, with aromas of toasted almonds, roasted chestnuts, and gingerbread filling the air! Continue your Christmastime river cruise to Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the many nativity scenes exhibited throughout the town are sure to delight. In Würzburg, on the River Main, visit the ornate Bishop's Residence-home to the largest ceiling fresco ever painted, then stroll through the Christmas markets while you sip Glühwein (hot mulled wine). Your next stop is at one of the charming small towns dotted along the river-sure to be even more appealing when illuminated with Christmas lights and decorations. Take an excursion to Rüdesheim in the Rhine Valley wine region to experience the joyful Mechanical Music Museum. Enjoy Christmas market lights and delights through Heidelberg and Speyer before sailing to Strasbourg for the La Petite France district and shimmering Christmas markets. Continue on to the Black Forest for a traditional Bavarian Christmas atmosphere. Your delightful festive cruise ends in Basel.Get More Cruise Info
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| Departure Date | Ship | Priced From (per person) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 3, 2027 | Avalon Vista, Avalon Imagery II | $10,087 | Call Us! |
Avalon has designed included activities with a choice of experiences. We invite you to select the tours, activities, and events that interest you most, so you can experience your cruise your way. There are 3 types of included shore excursion on every Europe cruise:
Classic
Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You'll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.
Discovery
We've found inspiring and interactive activities to speak to your interests — from cooking classes, to painting workshops — to immerse yourself in each culture you explore.
Active
Embark on energetic excursions to keep you in motion and on the go — from a guided jogging tour of Amsterdam, to biking, paddling, and hiking your way through scenic locales.
- Plus independent exploration options and use of Avalon's exclusive AvalonGO APP.
River Cruise Itinerary
Day 1 VIENNA, AUSTRIA (EMBARKATION)
Welcome to Austria. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.Flights into Vienna must arrive by 3:30 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.Indulge in traditional holiday fare and hot libations to warm your heart and soul before boarding.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA
(D)
Day 2 VIENNA
Royal Collections and Amusing Attractions
Classic
Explore the Habsburg empire this morning on a Guided City Tour of Vienna’s gilded landmarks. See the Imperial Palace complex—the winter residence of the Imperial Family, the iconic Vienna Opera House, and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MELK
(B,L,D)
Day 3 MELK–GREIN
Frescoes above the Wachau Valley
Classic
Take a Guided Tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings.
Discovery
Enjoy an Austrian Cookie Tasting onboard while sailing to Grein.
Classic
Take a Guided Walk of Grein, including its historic theater, the oldest in Austria still holding regular performances.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU
(B,L,D)
Day 4 PASSAU
Saint Stephens, Salzburg, and the Story of Silent Night
Classic
Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers.”
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG
(B,L,D)
Day 5 REGENSBURG
Christmas Magic in Bavaria
Classic
Join a Guided City Walk and see Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and Porta Pretoria—entrance to the Castra Regina fortress built in 179 AD.
Discovery
Join an onboard gingerbread Cooking Demonstration
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NUREMBERG
(B,L,D)
Day 6 NUREMBERG
Legends and History Lessons
Discovery
Enjoy a Christmas Traditions Lecture on board while sailing this morning.
Classic
Choose a Guided Tour of Nuremberg’s medieval architecture, gilded fountain, Gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, OR:
Classic
Join a Guided Tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds—used by the Third Reich.
Discovery
Join an onboard workshop to learn how to create beautifully decorated candles.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG
(B,L,D)
Day 7 NUREMBERG. EXCURSION TO MUNICH
Merry in Munich
Classic
Enjoy a Guided City Tour which will show you the highlights of fascinating Munich. See Nymphenburg Palace—a former residence of Bavarian monarchs, along with the Old and New Town Halls of Marienplatz.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG
(B,D)
Day 8 NUREMBERG
Legends and History Lessons
Classic
Choose a Guided Tour of Nuremberg’s medieval architecture, gilded fountain, Gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, OR:
Classic
Join a Guided Tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds—used by the Third Reich.
Discovery
Get into the holiday spirit as cheerful carolers come aboard your ship to fill the air with beloved Christmas songs.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG
(B,L,D)
Day 9 BAMBERG
Christmas Customs and Cradle Scenes
Classic
Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Bamberg—medieval home of Germany’s Roman Empire dynasties. Stroll through dozens of Bamberg’s nativity scenes—from miniature to life-size.
Discovery
Enjoy an onboard Christmas Traditions Lecture while sailing.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WÜRZBURG
(B,L,D)
Day 10 WÜRZBURG
Old Saint Nick and Nutcrackers Sweet
Classic
Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the “Pearl of the Romantic Road” with its Old Main Bridge, towering fortress, and baroque Bishop’s Residence.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MILTENBERG
(B,L,D)
Day 11 MILTENBERG
Hidden Gifts and Holiday Delights
Classic
Take a Guided Walking Tour of Miltenberg, a showcase of medieval half-timber homes and home to Germany’s oldest inn.
Discovery
Join a German Cookie Baking Demonstration on board your ship while sailing.
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO FRANKFURT
(B,L,D)
Day 12 FRANKFURT. EXCURSION TO RUDESHEIM
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country
Discovery
Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience in Rüdesheim
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO SPEYER
(B,D)
Day 13 SPEYER. EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG
Winter Wonders and a Wine Barrel Fit for a King
Discovery
Take a Guided Tour that includes the magnificent Heidelberg Castle and the Great Vat—the world’s largest wine barrel. After the tour, visit the local German Christmas markets in Heidelberg.
Discovery
Enjoy an onboard Christmas Traditions Lecture.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT TO KEHL
(B,L,D)
Day 14 KEHL. EXCURSION TO STRASBOURG, FRANCE
A Gothic Cathedral, Heaven’s Time, and Joyeux Noël
Classic
Come along for City Sightseeing, including the city’s gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BREISACH
(B,L,D)
Day 15 BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST
German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest
Classic
Join a Guided Tour to explore Freiburg’s medieval city center, sheltered by the Black Forest amid vineyards and gardens of the Upper Rhine Valley, OR:
Classic
Join a Guided Tour to the magical Black Forest to experience local traditions and the vibrant Christmas mood.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BASEL
(B,L,D)
Day 16 BASEL, SWITZERLAND (DISEMBARKATION)
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.Flights shouldn’t leave Zürich airport before 10 am or Basel airport before 8 am.(B)
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